Dominating Element decides the skin type

What actually makes our PERSONALITY?

The ancient science of Ayurveda is the oldest known form of healthcare in the world. Often called the mother of all healing, it originated in India some 5000 or more years ago. It is a science of Self-understanding. By understanding our own unique nature or constitution, we can understand how better we can interact with our environment and thus make choices that will lead us toward greater health.

Our skin is also determined by our dominating elements. When we understand our dominant element, we can make our skin healthy as per our own requirement. To understand our own skin type, let’s understand the skin types first.

Skin is often classified into 4 main types:

1. Normal skin

2. Dry skin

3. Oily skin

NORMAL SKIN

Normal skin is well-balanced skin, moisture content and other factors that affect the health of your skin are all within normal ranges.

Normal skin is less likely to suffer from skin conditions and appears clear, radiant, and healthy. Normal skin is more likely to occur in younger people.

Characteristics of normal skin types

1. free from skin blemishes

2. pores are fine, hardly visible

3. skin tone is even, clear, and smooth

4. radiant complexion

5. skin is neither too oily nor too dry

6. good blood circulation

7. hardy against the elements and irritants

People with dry skin may lack some of the natural moisturizing factors that help the skin retain water and may produce less oil. It makes the skin look unhealthy, Un moisturized. Certain areas of the body are more prone to dry skin including the hands, arms, legs, palms, and soles of the feet.

DRY SKIN TYPES:

People with dry skin have skin rashes, dryness and unhealthy skin issues.

Characteristics of dry skin type:

1. skin feels tight and brittle, lacks elasticity

2. skin texture feels rough

3. itchiness may occur

4. prone to redness, irritation and infection

5. barely visible pores

6. prone to cracking

7. enhances fine lines and wrinkles

Oily skin types

Individuals with an oily skin type are more prone to certain skin blemishes and skin issues, especially acne.

Characteristics of oily skin

1. pores seem enlarged and are visible

2. skin looks thicker and paler

3. prone to various forms of acne, especially in the t- zone (forehead, nose and chin)

4. skin appears shiny or greasy

Elements & Skin care

We must remember that we are all a combination of three dominating energies. On the most fundamental level, pitta is our metabolism, kapha is our structure, and vata is the mobility that brings action and life into creation. Without all three energies, we simply could not exist. Ayurveda defines that our constitution is the balance of energies within our bodies and our minds. This unique balance of energy determines everything from our body structure to our skin type. Our constitution decides our choices. It defines what we naturally like as well as what we dislike.

People who are Vata (air + space) dominant have dry skin.

In order to bring balance to vata, one should emphasize the opposing qualities of warmth, heaviness (nourishment), moistness, and stability. In the diet, this is reflected in the consumption of cooked grains such as rice and cooked vegetables, as well as the intake of warm milk with spices. Pungent herbs like ginger which increase internal heat and nourishing herbs like ashwagandha bring balance to Vata. Detoxification, yoga, and meditation are also good methods for balancing.

People who are Kaph (water +earth) dominant have normal shiny skin.

In order to bring balance to a kapha nature the opposing qualities of lightness, dryness and warmth are recommended. These qualities are integrated in dietary and herbal programs as well as aroma and color therapies, detoxification, yoga and meditation. Green vegetables are preferred. Lots of vegetables and very little nuts and little dairy products. Cardamom, clove bring balance to kaph. They can prefer wearing green clothes too.

People who are Pitta (fire + water) dominant have oily skin that is easily prone to acne.

In order to bring balance to pitta, one should emphasize the opposing qualities of coolness, heaviness (nourishing) and dryness. Cool spices like fennel are recommended in the diet along with foods such as raw vegetables, cooked rice, and wheat, as well as most beans. Sweet herbs like Shatavari are used to nourish the body while bitters temper the fire. Balancing process doesn’t include foods and herbs but also aromas, colors, massage, detoxification, yoga, and meditation.

Conclusion

We should understand our dominating element so that we can understand our skin type and choose skin products accordingly.